Fall Creek Christian Church

"Then Elisha died and was buried. Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the body they were burying into the tomb of Elisha. But as soon as the body touched Elisha's bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet!" II Kings 13:20-21 I love words like refresh, revive, restore and renew. Just to say them sparks life. I love driving at sunset, windows down and radio up. The colors of the sky, the wind in my face, the melodies of the songs allow me for a few short minutes to take a deep breath. I gain perspective. God rules. When all is said and done, his purposes and his plans will be accomplished. In those thoughts, my anxieties and worries dissipate and peace comes. The story today is wild illustration of the life giving power of God. God chooses in a dramatic way to remind the people of Israel that he rules over everything, including life an...

"Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God -- something the Jewish law could never do." Acts 13:38-39 As all the rest of the potential jurors were being interviewed by the defense and the prosecution, I tried to keep my mind occupied. I imagined the scene of the defendant's arrest and how his attorney was going to try to present a case for his innocence. I then thought about what this newly formed jury would decide. As it turns out ... guilty. In our verses for the day, Paul speaks of the courtroom of heaven. He was telling the people that their trip before the divine judge didn't have to end with a guilty verdict. He assumed they all knew they had done wrong -- "...your sins." He tells them the turning point of the trial is what they (what we) do with the person of Jesus. Belief in him results in forgiveness, freedom and the declaration, "Not ...

"Peter traveled from place to place to visit the believers, and in his travels he came to the Lord's people in the town of Lydda. There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed!' And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord when they saw Aeneas walking around."  Acts 9:32-35 I'll never forget the incredible relief and gratitude I felt when the dry sockets from my wisdom teeth removal finally healed. For nearly two weeks, I was either in  excruciating  pain or a foggy daze from pain medications. I couldn't think straight, carry on normal conversations or function at my job. Absolute misery. Healing, of any kind, is truly a moment of a celebration and liberation.  Aeneas understood and appreciated healing in a way that was far more extensive than mine. Eight years he languished in bed. No doubt ...

"Kind words are like honey -- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24 Every once in awhile, I make a point to really listen to myself speak. Regardless of the context, there are times that I startle myself with what I say. On the average, they roll out okay. However, there are times when I need to tell myself most emphatically to just "Shut up!" The writer of the Proverb for the day noted this in a poetic way. Kind words are received like honey. They are sweet and they are nourishing for both the soul and body. Isn't that remarkable that words can reach both the material and the immaterial part of us. That's some really powerful stuff. Today, we will speak thousands and thousands of words. Will they encourage, build-up and honor those who hear them. Or, will our words cut, belittle and disrespect the people with whom we do life? Remember this truth as you consider your words. The sweet and healthy blessing of kind words falls on both the ...

"The Jews insisted, 'We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.' When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. 'Where do you come from?' he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 'Do you refuse to speak to me?' Pilate asked. 'Don't you realize I have power to either free you or to crucify you?' Jesus answered, 'You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."  John 19:7-11 Feeling more than a little embarrassed as I handed my license and registration to the police officer, I wished I had been more attentive to what I was doing. Fortunately, he decided to give me a warning. Perhaps, it was the sight of my cute little girls sound asleep in the back that warmed his heart. I don't know for sure, but I am thankful that he didn't use his state giv...

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30 The night dragged on and on as the clock seemed to move in slow motion. I couldn't sleep, inconsolably restless over a disturbing series of events. There was an unsettling absence of a clear path. I was surrounded by a thick fog of confusion, hurt, and unanswered questions. I was looking for some serious divine intervention. Thankfully, it came. As Jesus spoke to the crowd gathered in our verses for the day, they were also lacking in the peace department. They were restless and Jesus knew it. It was a restlessness that went far deeper than one too many cups of coffee. It was soul deep. Big questions haunted them. Patterns of failure stalked them. Jesus' antidote was not a pill, a program, or a parad...

"David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him. When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle." I Samuel 18:14-16 The other day I was attempting a car repair. One of my offspring had located a mailbox with the side view mirror of the car. Initial attempts to reattach said mirror were unsuccessful and a complete removal/replacement was needed. Nearly an hour into the project, the new mirror was solidly attached and shouts of joy ensued when the power button actually moved the mirror --- success!! Our verses today reveal that David was a very successful guy ... "in everything he did." He was a leader. He was an inspiration to warriors. Those he protected and served loved him. His enemy feared him. The secret to his success? "The Lord was with him." He was God's man following God's lead for God's glory. I...